It's the hols again. Yes, time to take a break. To refresh before going head on to another hectic new year. It has always been like this. Time just flies through and before we realize it, we've reached the end of the road. 2011 has been a fruitful year for me but tinged with sadness as I lost my dearest mum forever this year.
I noticed that the last time I wrote in my blog was during Hari Raya Aidil Fitri and as I browsed through the photos I've posted in my blog it brought back sweet and sad memories. Mum was still alive then. Well, after Raya it was just a hectic schedule like preparing my Yr 5 & 6 pupils for their English tests . Yes and they did well generally. It was fun attending a few Raya functions with a few close friends . Was also busy planning some activities.
My second daughter, Poh Teng graduated this year and I remembered those lovely moments posing in the studio and at USM. After our wedding , my hubby and I haven't posed together like that and I realized we've been married for 28 years and I am thankful for this. Beautiful photos and relationship to treasure forever.
I am very relieved that at last the few people whose lives I had saved can stand on their own two feet now or rather they are in safe hands. It is like a heavy burden lifted off my shoulders and I can still remember those emotional days filled with worries, fears and doubts. I am grateful for the strength and good health I possess to do the many things I love and need to do. Sometimes I've to meet challenges and stand tall without fear to fight for what I think is right. I believe I can make a difference and I'll do it.
I've learned the hard way. I have to be strong and not waver just because I have heard of some threats, criticisms and learned that some people are back-biting about me or about the things I do. Yes, I must think positively and carry out my duties as diligently and sincerely as I can. Playing safe, I find the pleasure in investigating the truth and study people's attitude in order not to allow anyone spoil my day or I'll confront anyone to sort matters out. Goodness, carrying tales from a person to another which is bad habit among ladies can really ruin our life! I've learned not to be a hypocrite and it's better for me to be alone and in the company of only a few good friends who care and understand me than to be in the company of those who displease me. Also a good lesson is not to trust others totally.
I have been online at Facebook and it's the connection with so many kinds of people, lost and found friends and pupils before and now that had brightened up my life, opened up my mind, given me opportunities to speak my mind, shared my feelings and ideas and gained new knowledge. People love flipping through our photos, seeing what we're up to, which political party we support and try to influence us the best they can. I enjoy reading all those comments that are worth reading and yet I have my own mind to think wisely.
If I leave my dear school ,my second home, SK Selama I would be thankful for the lovely 28 years and my pupils whom I love no matter how naughty they were or are. There would be too many memories and they are much alive in my memory box. What to do, I've just lost my external hard disk where I stored many beautiful photos. Just imagine I've to fight senility too as there are already some signs of amnesia showing. Guess, I've to just remain calm and be more mindful in everything I do. Yes, there are many important unfinished matters to be settled and I'll go as they may be some who dislike me here so leave it to them. It doesn't belong to me, anyway. There needn't be a grand farewell, no not necessary. My love for this school is far too great, I don't know why and it hurts so much when I think that I'll leave it one day.
This year I got the opportunity to handle the English Carnival in Selama Zone in SK Selama, the LMS District Spelling Competition for Primary Schools in SK Klian Pauh, the Perak State Level Choral Speaking Competition in SMK Hua Lian and the Perak State Level English-In-Camp in Suria Beach Resort. Opportunities just knocked on the door and I am thankful for being selected to judge the Perak State Level Action Song Competition in Pengkalan Hulu and the National Level Public Speaking Competition.for Primary Schools in Port Dickson. I tell myself, if given opportunities, I too can prove to the world I can handle anything. I will not forget to mention behind each success, there are good and supporting team mates to help run the show, to stand for us when we are down, to lift our spirits up when we face challenges and problems and in the end , the fruits of success are shared by all. I humbly and sincerely thank all my committee members who are English teachers ,supportive school administrators and education officers from the LMS District and Perak State Education Office. My appreciation and praises for their hard work and commitment as well.
English activities which are fun enrich pupils' English, instil love in learning the language , build up their confidence and encourage pupils to master English diligently. Having taught mostly Malay pupils, I praise them for their determination as most of them are an obedient lot. If ever they lose in a competition, it is usually due to their pronunciation which isn't that accurate. For this, they need to practise speaking and it is through drilling that they can improve in time. Read, read and read my dear kids as it's through reading that you can improve in your grammar, vocabulary , spelling, spoken and written English. I hope they listen as I can only encourage them to do so and it's all up to them.
My Yr 6 pupil, Md Khairul Ikhwan B. Md Fadzizul, Perak State Champ did us all proud as he reached the National Level 5th CHAMPS Spelling Competition held in SJK ( C ) Kwang Cheng2 in KL. Because of this smart chap, I too got the opportunity to chaperone the 3 Perak participants there, first time in my life! To my Choral Speaking team, it has been the best achievement so far, being the LMS District runner-up, Congratulations! Am glad I have motivated these kids by writing this inspiring script, "Go After Your Dreams!". Yes, I want all of them to go after their own dreams and never let anything hinder them from doing so. I hope the future Choral Speaking team can even beat the champ one day. Thanks to Mdm Cheang Poh Lin who together with me prepared this team, and now I feel so sad she had left this school before me. An excellent teacher she is. I wish her well as the Senior Assistant for Co-curricular Activities in SJK ( C ) Chi Sheng 1.
Not forgetting, the Action Song team made up of Yr 2 & 3 pupils which maintained the third place for 3 years consecutively. The "Save Our World" performance, no doubt should deserve the second placing in the district, I insist and will defend my statement. Thanks to Pn Siti Khairunnisa and Pn Hana for a job well done and I hope SK Selama can be the district champ in future. Yes, teachers too must be motivated and inspired for when my days are gone, you the young ones will have to carry on. It is never impossible to achieve success! Yes, I've been telling my pupils that they must stand tall and when on the stage they are the best. I do hope to see much better performance for the Story-Telling and Public Speaking Competitions. Yes, Nor Aiman Amreel Abdul Rauff our Tokoh Murid 2011 and head boy was the Public Speaking Champ at zone level. I love training these obedient kids who have great determination to win. They will indeed be somebody great one day if they continue to pursue their dreams.
What makes me happy and feel rewarded is when I receive messages nowadays mostly through FB from my ex-pupils. They remember how hard I trained them to tell stories, to recite very long poems, all kinds of presentations . For 30 years , I've been teaching English in my own way I think best and pupils have to learn it well. Yes they have to try hard to score As but more importantly is they should be able to speak English well . Yes, they too remembered the pinches I used to give them and they realized it was for their own good. One ex-pupil said he was grateful as I am part of his success today. I like to remind my pupils that it is not the string of As or how wealthy they are but it is the thought they have for others, the kindness and contributions to society especially to those who need their help. Reach out to those who are poor and needy sincerely. I hope they don't turn up to be greedy, selfish and inconsiderate or irresponsible citizens. It was I who wanted so much to form the Alumni for the school and I did it. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to devote to this cause and yet, I promise I hope to see some drastic changes to inject some life into this newly formed group. Dear ex - pupils, the ball is in your hands , with some love and interests, it has to be moving .
My Yr 6 pupil, Md Khairul Ikhwan B. Md Fadzizul, Perak State Champ did us all proud as he reached the National Level 5th CHAMPS Spelling Competition held in SJK ( C ) Kwang Cheng2 in KL. Because of this smart chap, I too got the opportunity to chaperone the 3 Perak participants there, first time in my life! To my Choral Speaking team, it has been the best achievement so far, being the LMS District runner-up, Congratulations! Am glad I have motivated these kids by writing this inspiring script, "Go After Your Dreams!". Yes, I want all of them to go after their own dreams and never let anything hinder them from doing so. I hope the future Choral Speaking team can even beat the champ one day. Thanks to Mdm Cheang Poh Lin who together with me prepared this team, and now I feel so sad she had left this school before me. An excellent teacher she is. I wish her well as the Senior Assistant for Co-curricular Activities in SJK ( C ) Chi Sheng 1.
Not forgetting, the Action Song team made up of Yr 2 & 3 pupils which maintained the third place for 3 years consecutively. The "Save Our World" performance, no doubt should deserve the second placing in the district, I insist and will defend my statement. Thanks to Pn Siti Khairunnisa and Pn Hana for a job well done and I hope SK Selama can be the district champ in future. Yes, teachers too must be motivated and inspired for when my days are gone, you the young ones will have to carry on. It is never impossible to achieve success! Yes, I've been telling my pupils that they must stand tall and when on the stage they are the best. I do hope to see much better performance for the Story-Telling and Public Speaking Competitions. Yes, Nor Aiman Amreel Abdul Rauff our Tokoh Murid 2011 and head boy was the Public Speaking Champ at zone level. I love training these obedient kids who have great determination to win. They will indeed be somebody great one day if they continue to pursue their dreams.
What makes me happy and feel rewarded is when I receive messages nowadays mostly through FB from my ex-pupils. They remember how hard I trained them to tell stories, to recite very long poems, all kinds of presentations . For 30 years , I've been teaching English in my own way I think best and pupils have to learn it well. Yes they have to try hard to score As but more importantly is they should be able to speak English well . Yes, they too remembered the pinches I used to give them and they realized it was for their own good. One ex-pupil said he was grateful as I am part of his success today. I like to remind my pupils that it is not the string of As or how wealthy they are but it is the thought they have for others, the kindness and contributions to society especially to those who need their help. Reach out to those who are poor and needy sincerely. I hope they don't turn up to be greedy, selfish and inconsiderate or irresponsible citizens. It was I who wanted so much to form the Alumni for the school and I did it. Unfortunately, I don't have much time to devote to this cause and yet, I promise I hope to see some drastic changes to inject some life into this newly formed group. Dear ex - pupils, the ball is in your hands , with some love and interests, it has to be moving .
As far as my social work is concerned, I am glad that I've made some contributions as well. I have helped the Selama Chinese Association and the Perak State Women's Welfare Committee organize the Health Campaign Programme for Women with its theme," Happy Family Free From Diabetes" on the 22 Oct. 2011 and on that day as well the Blood Donation Drive was carried out . I am touched by the positive response given by the district health officers, doctors and nurses when I discussed and planned for this big event. Though the event didn't draw a huge crowd as on the same day there were other programmes as well, I would say, it had achieved success . Firstly, the health talk and consultation, health examinations, dental check-up, exhibition, and blood donation had driven across a strong message to all who turned up. They are the agents who will spread to their loved ones about the importance of eating healthily and exercising regularly. I am very satisfied that 16 blood donors donated their precious blood to save lives and to a few of them it was their first experience. I am glad all turned out well. Thanks to the great people and my friends behind this success.
Yes, for Red Crescent Society there are still some matters to settle. If I am called to help or support , I'll be there as once a member, I'm always a member. The RC spirit lives in me. What to do if RC isn't active over here. The RELA and Pertahanan Awam members are more active. However, if there are floods around this area, RC members are on the stand by to help.
As for my women NGOs , the Perak Women For Women or PWW and WCC or Women Centre For Change , they get my support and I take the pleasure in reading about their activities through emails, FB and blogs . I am interested to follow the activities and support the struggles to fight for women's rights and gender equality by other sister NGOs as well. Issues mostly on the ill-treatment of women, domestic violence, human trafficking, child sexual abuse and sarcastic remarks made by certain leaders about women such as blaming the rape victims on their sexy dressing always catch my attention. I'll speak my mind off when it comes to such unjust and discriminative remarks and laws. To me, what is unfair or a torture remains a torture whatever reasons you can give. I am glad I have had opportunities to attend interesting seminars on CSA ( Child Sexual Abuse) , Syariah Laws and a few others.
When, I hear of people telling me to quit teaching and fully concentrate on social work, I think I don't need such advice yet or rather take it as an insult. I am no politician or a true activist but I am playing a minor role as a responsible citizen who cares for the poor and needy. I have to remind my friends that I spend my leisure time doing the things I like most. My other friends too have their own ways to fill up their leisure. And during work I am serious, no time is to be wasted and I will not even do any side business . Therefore, when I feel it's time for me to quit teaching, I'll do so readily and happily. I'll work till 60 even if good health permits me .
Right now, I still have the love to teach and out there my dear pupils are still looking up to me with hope and for the love of English, I'll teach them to love the language and speak it correctly . Good experienced English teachers are rare nowadays and I am one of them. Yes, I have a lot to contribute to the education field and I'll do the best I can.
Yes, for Red Crescent Society there are still some matters to settle. If I am called to help or support , I'll be there as once a member, I'm always a member. The RC spirit lives in me. What to do if RC isn't active over here. The RELA and Pertahanan Awam members are more active. However, if there are floods around this area, RC members are on the stand by to help.
As for my women NGOs , the Perak Women For Women or PWW and WCC or Women Centre For Change , they get my support and I take the pleasure in reading about their activities through emails, FB and blogs . I am interested to follow the activities and support the struggles to fight for women's rights and gender equality by other sister NGOs as well. Issues mostly on the ill-treatment of women, domestic violence, human trafficking, child sexual abuse and sarcastic remarks made by certain leaders about women such as blaming the rape victims on their sexy dressing always catch my attention. I'll speak my mind off when it comes to such unjust and discriminative remarks and laws. To me, what is unfair or a torture remains a torture whatever reasons you can give. I am glad I have had opportunities to attend interesting seminars on CSA ( Child Sexual Abuse) , Syariah Laws and a few others.
When, I hear of people telling me to quit teaching and fully concentrate on social work, I think I don't need such advice yet or rather take it as an insult. I am no politician or a true activist but I am playing a minor role as a responsible citizen who cares for the poor and needy. I have to remind my friends that I spend my leisure time doing the things I like most. My other friends too have their own ways to fill up their leisure. And during work I am serious, no time is to be wasted and I will not even do any side business . Therefore, when I feel it's time for me to quit teaching, I'll do so readily and happily. I'll work till 60 even if good health permits me .
Right now, I still have the love to teach and out there my dear pupils are still looking up to me with hope and for the love of English, I'll teach them to love the language and speak it correctly . Good experienced English teachers are rare nowadays and I am one of them. Yes, I have a lot to contribute to the education field and I'll do the best I can.
Well, it is time to take a break ! Have a nice day, everyone! I'll be uploading some photos to share soon. Actually, I'm updating a few blogs I'm handling so it takes some time.
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